Community banks are revamping branches and offering new services in an effort to become trusted advisers to small businesses. Such a transformation is often easier said than done.

First Commonwealth Financial (FCF) in Indiana, Pa., is bringing its corporate banking business to Ohio.

A breakdown of M&A announcements in the financial services industry for the week ended March 15.

United Community Financial (UCFC) in Youngstown, Ohio, has hired an outside executive to become its next president and chief executive.

Like the Postal Service, small banks must radically change their business model, expect more consolidations and mergers, focus on critical services and avoid relying on the U.S. government for help – it could make things worse.

Talmer Bancorp (TLMR) in Troy, Mich., could enjoy a bigger-than-expected benefit from its purchase of Michigan Commerce Bank.

First Republic Bank (FRC) in San Francisco is planning to sell more than 3.5 million shares of common stock.

Once thought of as cheap capital, Tarp is getting more expensive as the dividend rate jumps from 5% to 9%. Banks that are still in the program could see the increase as one more force pushing them to consider their options.

A positive spin around branches will proliferate, as will talk about wearable tech. Oh, and expect tons of M&A -- between banks and nonbanks.

Square 1 Financial in Durham, N.C., is planning to hit the road to promote its planned initial public offering.

CBFH in Orange, Texas, has agreed to purchase MC Bancshares in Houston.

Joseph Stilwell has reached a truce with another banking company.

Virginia National Bankshares (VABK) in Charlottesville, Va., is facing pressure from an activist investor to consider selling itself.

Wayne Savings Bancshares (WAYN) in Wooster, Ohio, is looking for a new chief executive.

Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) in Columbus, Ohio, has poached as executive from U.S. Bancorp (USB) as its new chief financial officer.

Investors Bancorp (ISBC) in Short Hills, N.J., could raise more than $2.6 billion as part of a highly anticipated second-step conversion.

Piedmont Bancorp in Peachtree Corners, Ga., plans to raise $8 million through a private placement of subordinated debt and common stock.

NewBridge Bancorp (NBBC) in Greensboro, N.C., has issued nearly $16 million in subordinated debt to redeem all the preferred stock it issued under the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

American Banker on Friday received the 2014 Jesse Neal Award for Best Website from the Association of Business Information and Media Companies.

Banking activity slowed in January, particularly consumer lending, as cold weather and snowstorms stymied new construction and consumer transactions. Still, bankers maintained an optimistic view of overall business conditions.